After being left off the NBA's Western Conference All-Star team, Damian Lillard has decided not to defend his reigning two-time championship in the Skills Challenge at All-Star Weekend, a league source told RealGM.

Lillard was far and away the league’s most glaring omission from the All-Star game, being left off the fan, coaches and commissioner voting. In his third NBA season, Lillard has averaged 21.6 points, 6.3 assists, 4.6 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game.

As a co-star with LaMarcus Aldridge, Lillard has helped lead the Portland Trail Blazers to a consecutive season among the West’s top tier.

Trey Burke has committed to his invite for the upcoming skills competition after winning together with Lillard a year ago. Dallas Mavericks guard Monta Ellis strongly considered his invitation for the event, but has decided to decline, sources told RealGM.

Lillard was the NBA’s Rookie of the Year in 2013 and a first-time All-Star last season.

LaMarcus Aldridge could miss the start of training camp next season by delaying his thumb surgery.

Although Aldridge is not risking his long-term health by playing with a torn ligament, a specialist in the field said he could now be facing a recovery that will take twice as long -- up to three or four months.

Dr. Steven Shin, a hand/wrist surgeon at the Kerlan-Jobe Clinic in Los Angeles, said the only downside Aldridge faces by postponing his surgery are the longer recovery time and having to play through pain.

"The reason why we suggest surgery rather than waiting is the quality of ligament can deteriorate with time,'' Shin said.

The overall recovery time goes from 6-to-8 weeks to three-to-four months, Shin said.